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What size is a 6×9 storage shed, really?
“6×9” is used two ways in Australia. Here’s how to pick the right footprint for your site and use case.
- 6ft x 9ft shed (~1.8m x 2.7m, ~4.9 m²): Best for garden tools, bikes, and a small backyard workshop. Typical DIY shed kits with single door and slimline roof.
- 6m x 9m shed (54 m²): A serious structure for a custom-built double garage in Perth, workshop, farm machinery storage, or studio. Usually engineered portal frames with roller doors and a concrete slab.
What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s Climate?
Perth heat and coastal air demand durable, heat-smart materials. Here’s the quick take:
- Frames: Galvanised, cold-formed steel to AS/NZS 4600. Heavier base plates and hold-downs in high wind regions.
- Cladding & roofing: COLORBOND steel (BlueScope) for colour longevity and thermal performance. ZINCALUME suits inland, budget-friendly builds.
- Thermal control: Anticon blanket or insulated panel roofs to reduce heat load.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA conditions?
| Feature | COLORBOND Steel | ZINCALUME Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Coating & colour | Painted, wide colour range, UV tough | Metallic finish only |
| Heat reflectivity | High (lighter colours reduce heat gain) | Moderate |
| Coastal resistance | Excellent with correct grade and maintenance | Good inland; more caution near salt spray |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Lower upfront |
| Best for | Perth metro/coastal, premium look | Inland WA and budget projects |
Pro tip: Did you know using insulated roof panels can reduce internal shed temperatures by up to 10°C in summer? Pair with whirlybirds and sarking for best results.
6×9 Shed Kit vs Custom-Built: Which suits you?
| Aspect | DIY 6×9 Shed Kit (6ft x 9ft) | Custom 6m x 9m Shed |
|---|---|---|
| Use case | Garden tools, bikes, light storage | Workshop, custom Colorbond garages Perth, vehicle storage |
| Engineering | Light-duty, often N1–N2 only | Site-specific to AS/NZS 1170.2 (N1–C4) |
| Approvals | Often exempt (state dependent) | Building permit required in most LGAs |
| Installation | DIY weekend project | Professional build with slab and services |
| Cost | Low | Medium to high, higher longevity |
Roof Options: Flat, Gable or Skillion?
| Roof Type | Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Flat | Low profile, simple for small kits | Lower runoff; check drainage and leaf guard |
| Gable | Classic look, good ventilation volume | Taller ridge may need extra bracing in wind |
| Skillion | Modern look, easy solar PV orientation | Correct fall and gutter sizing are critical |
Engineering and Wind Ratings: Avoid costly mistakes
Every Australian site has a wind region and terrain category. Your shed must be engineered accordingly.
- AS/NZS 1170.2: Wind actions used to design wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas and non-cyclonic regions.
- Regions: Non-cyclonic (N1–N6) and Cyclonic (C1–C4). Much of coastal QLD is C-class.
- Connections matter: Anchor bolts, hold-down brackets, and door frames often govern design, not just sheet thickness.
Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes — For council-approved sheds WA, many Perth metro sites fall under non-cyclonic classes, but coastal and hilltop exposures can push up the N rating. Have an engineer confirm the site classification and footing details before ordering your kit.
QLD tip: Opt for cyclone-rated sheds QLD with certified door wind-locks, extra roof bracing, and compliant Form 15/16 documentation.
How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA
WA process — simple checklist
- Confirm zoning and R-Codes setbacks with your LGA.
- Order site-specific engineering to AS/NZS 1170.2 and AS/NZS 4600.
- Provide drawings, slab details, and stormwater plan. Many councils want gutters and downpipes connected to soakwells or tanks.
- Lodge a Building Permit (BA1/BA2) with owner’s consent and builder details.
- Schedule inspections as required (footings/slab pour if specified).
QLD — Cyclonic compliance steps
- Check region (C1–C4) and terrain category.
- Engineer-signed drawings plus Form 15 (design) and Form 16 (inspection/installation) for regulated works.
- Wind-lock roller doors and upgraded connections are standard for C-class regions.
VIC — Building permit snapshot
- Most 6m x 9m sheds require a building permit via a private or municipal surveyor.
- Respect Title restrictions, easements, siting, and overshadowing rules.
NSW — Exempt or complying?
- Small 6ft x 9ft sheds may be exempt development if size/height/setback limits are met.
- 6m x 9m usually needs a Complying Development Certificate or DA/CC.
Always check local instruments. Useful starting points: HIA homeowner resources and your council’s planning portal.
Slab and Site Prep: Get the base right
- Small kits (6ft x 9ft): Level pavers or a 75–100 mm slab with mesh is common.
- 6m x 9m sheds: 100–125 mm reinforced slab for light vehicle storage; 150 mm with thickened beams for heavier loads. Engineer to specify N-class or C-class hold-downs.
- Drainage: Gutters, downpipes to soakwells/tanks; cross-fall away from walls to avoid corrosion.
- Corrosion zones: Within ~1 km of surf coasts, select higher durability coatings and wash down salt regularly.
Not sure on thickness, mesh or anchors? The storage shed floor guide steps through slabs, drainage and corrosion‑smart detailing.
Doors, Windows, Ventilation and Smart Add-ons
- Roller doors: Choose wind-rated models with wind-lock clips in high wind zones.
- Sliding doors: For wide clear openings on a 6×9, our sliding shed door guide explains tracks, stays and wind ratings across Australia.
- PA doors: Solid cores with steel jambs for security.
- Ventilation: Ridge vents/whirlybirds plus eave vents to curb condensation.
- Windows: For light and airflow in a bigger footprint, see this Colorbond shed windows guide covering window types, BAL screens and flashing details.
- Insulation & sarking: Anticon blanket or insulated panels, and vapour-permeable sarking to manage condensation.
- Vermin flashing: Keep out pests and reduce dust ingress.
- Water harvesting: Connect gutters to rainwater tanks for garden use.
- Electrical & solar: Conduit sleeves in the slab; skillion roofs are solar-friendly.
Real Australian Build Examples
Case Study 1 — 6ft x 9ft DIY shed kit, Melbourne VIC
A homeowner needed dry storage for bikes and garden gear. They chose a Zincalume kit with skillion roof, anchored to a 100 mm slab. Installed over a weekend with help from a mate. Cost-effective and exempt development due to size and setbacks.
Case Study 2 — 6m x 9m farm workshop, rural NSW
Built as rural sheds NSW spec: Colorbond cladding, 0.42 BMT, insulated roof blanket, 3.0 m eave height and a 3.0 m roller door for a small tractor. Engineer designed N3 wind rating with extra knee bracing and M12 hold-downs. Added water tank and vermin flashing.
Case Study 3 — Custom Colorbond double garage, Perth WA
A custom Colorbond garages Perth build with gable roof, 6m x 9m footprint, BAL-12.5 compliant due to local bushfire map. Council-approved sheds WA pathway: BA1 building permit, site plan, soakwell design. Insulated roof panels trimmed peak summer heat in Perth’s north.
Costs in 2025: What to budget for a 6×9 shed
Indicative price bands only — final price depends on wind rating, site, doors, finishes and approvals.
- 6ft x 9ft shed kit: $700–$1,600 for quality steel kits; installation $400–$900.
- 6m x 9m kit (supply only): $8,500–$16,000 depending on wind rating, Colorbond, and door package.
- 6m x 9m installed (ex slab): $14,000–$28,000 typical; premium/spec upgrades higher.
- Concrete slab (6m x 9m): $4,500–$9,000 depending on thickness, beams, and site works.